Johnson & Wales University, Xavier Auditorium

Xavier Academy Hall was built decades ago as a Catholic school on a site bordering both an industrial district and a university campus; over time it had fallen into some disrepair. Johnson & Wales University, the current owner, asked the architect to renovate the auditorium space in order to create a 500+ seating venue for university functions and gatherings, as well as a legitimate theater for student use.
The theater space received a full renovation; the rake of the auditorium and balcony was adjusted and seating layout reconfigured to ensure that each seat has a good view of the stage. Paying close attention to acoustics, the architect designed a series of panels and screens to flank the stage, reflecting sound into the audience while concealing speakers and lighting, and effectively expanding the proscenium enclosure to embrace the extended stage. Other features include a new audiovisual system with distance-learning capabilities, a new HVAC system, increased ADA accessibility and new lavatories. The theater has become a self-sufficient entity.

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